HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc737-8W
Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultation was held with commercial contractors prior to the preparation of specimen contracts for tendering in the National Health Service; and whether he has any plans to revise the specimen contracts to tailor them more directly to the requirements of individual services.

Mr. Whitney

Consultation took place with the main trade associations representing the cleaning, catering and laundry contractors prior to issue of specimen contracts. We are prepared to consider any proposals which are intended to improve them.

Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what independent evaluation of competitive tendering procedures has been carried out.

Mr. Whitney

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to him on 3 July at column631.

Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the answer of 3 July, when health authorities include capital investment in drawing up in-house tenders; and what steps his Department takes to ensure the capital element is fully taken into account in tender adjudication.

Mr. Whitney

The Department issued full advice on the treatment of capital expenditure in the evaluation of tenders in the notes of guidance attached to the specimen contract documents for laundry services and for linen and garment rental services. Copies of both documents are in the Library.

Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to the answer of 3 July, what is the total value of the 48 per cent. of National Health Service laundry services where tenders have not been invited; what timescale he envisages for putting these outstanding services out to tender; and what action will he take to ensure compliance from those authorities who are resisting the tendering system.

Mr. Whitney

The estimated value of the laundry services which still had to be put out to tender at 31 March 1986 was £32 million a year. In all but a few exceptional cases, we expect the outstanding services to have been put out to tender by March 1987.

Only three health authorities in England have failed so far to agree competitive tendering programmes. With the support of Ministers, regional chairmen are continuing with their efforts to secure compliance.